Everyone was thrilled that Charizard and Ash had formed a new bond.
And Charizard's performance afterward was truly worthy of being Ash's trump card Pokémon!
[In the Orange Islands, Charizard defeated Drake's Electric-type Electabuzz despite a type disadvantage.]
[In the Johto Region, against the experienced Flying-type Trainer and Violet Gym Leader Falkner, Pidgeot easily defeated Pikachu despite Pikachu's type advantage.]
[Falkner's Pidgeot then had an intense aerial battle with Charizard. Although Pidgeot had a speed advantage, Charizard's left wing was injured, leaving him at a disadvantage.]
[However, Ash's Charizard cleverly maneuvered behind Pidgeot and trapped it with Fire Spin, rendering Pidgeot unable to counterattack.]
[Charizard finished the match with his signature Seismic Toss, securing victory in the aerial battle.]
This laid the foundation for Ash to become a Flying Master!
Palace Gate Stadium Audience Seats—
"What an incredible match!"
"Falkner is an elite Flying-type Trainer, and his Pidgeot is larger and more powerful than average. Winning this match is no small feat!"
"Seismic Toss is such a game-changer! It's saved so many battles."
"Go, Charizard!"
The audience was optimistic about Ash and Charizard's future.
Champion Guest Seats—
However, the champions noticed flaws in Charizard's performance.
Charizard was undeniably Ash's strongest Pokémon at the moment, but...
Its potential had been hindered by its early, forced evolution.
Charizard's current strength was sufficient for mid-level battles, but to enter high-level competition?
Its limitations were becoming evident.
"I doubt Charizard could even reach the top 16 in the Johto Silver Conference," one champion remarked.
"It's clear that Ash relies too heavily on Charizard. If Charizard faces a crushing defeat against a stronger opponent, it will deeply affect Ash."
"But with Ash's determined and passionate personality, he'll bounce back quickly," another champion replied.
"The real concern is Charizard. Its talent ceiling is limited… Can it truly thrive in high-level battles?"
The champions exchanged worried glances.
The scene continued—
[The journey in the Johto Region continued.]
[After defeating Falkner, Ash and his friends traveled toward the next gym.]
[Along the way, they came to a hot mountainous area.]
[Here, they met a Trainer named Liza, who also used a Charizard. Liza introduced Ash to Charizard Valley.]
Charizard Valley—
The Charizard Valley, located between Violet City and Azalea Town, was a National Park and sacred ground for Charizards. It was a place where wild and trained Charizards gathered to compete and grow stronger.
The valley was managed by Liza, a friend of Blackthorn Gym Leader Clair. Liza lived here with her partner Charizard, "Charla," and protected the valley.
The scene continued—
[Misty and Brock arrived at the valley first, riding on Liza's Charla, who wore a cute bowtie.]
[Ash and his Charizard had to find their way on their own.]
[Ash's Charizard, inexperienced at carrying a rider, stumbled through the sky, eventually crashing into a river.]
[Frustrated, Charizard resorted to walking Ash to the valley, rolling and crawling along the way.]
This comical scene made the audience laugh out loud.
The video continued—
"Alright… I'm opening the gate," Liza announced.
[As the gates of Charizard Valley opened, a breathtaking sight was revealed.]
[A crystal-clear river surrounded the valley.]
[Inside, the rocky landscape was dotted with small trees bearing Dragon Fruits.]
[But the most striking feature? A large group of strong, imposing Charizards.]
Palace Gate Stadium Audience Seats—
"Wow, look at all those Charizards!"
"This is the first time I've seen so many Charizards together!"
"Of course, this is Charizard Valley—sacred ground for Charizards!"
"But wouldn't poachers target this place? Charizards are highly valuable."
"Are you kidding? These Charizards are no pushovers. Any poacher who tries their luck here would regret it!"
"Not to mention, there are Alliance Trainers stationed here to protect the valley. Any poaching attempt would end in disaster for the poachers."
The audience murmured in admiration.
The scene continued—
[Ash's Charizard was amazed to see so many of its kind for the first time.]
[Liza explained that the valley was home to both wild Charizards and Charizards brought here by Trainers for advanced training.]
[These Charizards constantly competed with one another to become the strongest.]
"The strongest Charizard!"
[Hearing this goal, Ash and Charizard were instantly fired up and eager to compete.]
[Liza, however, dismissed Ash's Charizard as too weak and in need of more practice.]
"A beginner like you needs to train harder!"
[Unable to take the insult, Ash challenged the Charizards in the valley to a duel.]
[Liza reluctantly agreed and allowed Ash to pick any Charizard to battle.]
And thus, the gears of fate began to turn!
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